Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have rescued nine kidnapped persons and neutralized several terrorists during a successful ambush in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation, carried out late on August 31, 2025, followed credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists along a known crossing point on the Isa–Shinkafi–Kaura Namoda Road, which links Sokoto and Zamfara States.
According to Captain David Adewus, Media Information Officer of OPFY, the terrorists were escorting captives abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State when troops engaged them. He said the terrorists attempted to use the hostages as human shields, but soldiers responded “methodically and decisively,” neutralizing some of the assailants while others fled with gunshot wounds.
During the encounter, the troops rescued three adult women and six children. The victims were immediately evacuated to General Hospital, Shinkafi, for medical attention.
Items recovered at the scene include one AK-47 rifle with two magazines loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle, three mobile phones, and a desert camouflage uniform.
The rescued victims were later handed over to officials of Shinkafi LGA, who assured that arrangements were underway to reunite them with their families.
OPFY reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations across the North-West and parts of the North-Central, vowing to stamp out terrorism and banditry. The force also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing security efforts